The Bearded One Speaks

Olof Mellberg is looking to upset the odds once again as Villa start the season for a second year in a row against one of the top four 'big boys'. Last season Ollie ruined the Gunners party as he became the first person to score at the Emirates Stadium, today he is looking to beat Liverpool to get Villa's season off to a flyer.

The Sweden international defender told the official site:

'I'm definitely excited going into this season. We finished last season well and we've had a good pre-season, so hopefully we can keep that going and get a good start.'

Adding, 'I think we need to be really solid against even the top teams this season. You'll always get chances in a game. Against the big teams you don't get as many and you need to take them. We had a great result at Chelsea last season because we took our chance. You can get results out of those games and hopefully we can prove that today.'

'We must try to be solid and not concede goals early on. That way you're always in the game. We have played well against some of the top teams in recent years without always getting the results. We need to be more ruthless in both boxes.'

The bearded one says Villa need a strong home campaign this season to give them a good base.

Well were with you Olof. Lets take the game to them, give it our all, and let 'em know that no longer is visiting Villa Park the easy ride for the supposed 'Big Four' that it has become over recent seasons.

Man Utd won 3-0, Arsenal won 1-0. We never seem to manage to beat 'em Christo, thats my point. Yes, we beat Chelsea 3-2 a few seasons back, but the last time we beat Man U, Liverpool, or Arsenal at B6 I was in nappies.